TIJUANA is Baja's largest city and it is difficult to imagine its mammoth size without viewing it from above. Like butter melting onto a hot flour tortilla, the unending sprawl of this growing city of over one million souls seems to creep into every nook and cranny of the hilly terrain.

Even though the Tijuana - San Diego border holds the very unique distinction of being the world's busiest international border crossing, most visitors who cross it will not see much more than a passing glance of Tijuana as they stay on the main roads or head further south into Baja. For the open-minded visitor willing to take the time to explore the area, Tijuana has much to offer.

Tourism makes up approximately 10% of the Tijuana economy. Tijuana offers wagering on greyhound racing and on Jai-Alai, the fastest game in the world. Tijuana also offers two bull rings for bullfighting, which attracts locals and tourists alike on Sundays from May through September. There are two very good golf courses near by, and after the sun goes down, a host of restaurants and bars keep the action alive until well into the evening.

Every big city has one main perk that sets it apart from the rest, and Tijuana is no exception. Tijuana's claim to fame is shopping, blocks and blocks of shopping! Most of the shopping is centered around a ten block area on both sides of Avenida Revolucion, in the central tourist zone. If you can't find what you're looking for here it probably can't be found. At least not in Mexico!

Like most big cities Tijuana has some congestion and that big city 'people in a hurry' feeling to it. But if one takes the time to explore below the surface of this ever expanding metropolis, a proud people can be found who are optimistic as they head into the 21st century.

To purchase a good map of the Baja Peninsula visit the web site of MEXICO MAPS.

THE GRINGO FACTOR

Tijuana is indeed a h-u-g-e place but almost all of the gringo activity takes place on a 10 block section of Avenida Revolucion, commonly known by gringos as Revolution Avenue. The south end is a five minute cab ride or a 15 walk from the U.S. border at the north end, and the Caliente Race Track is at the south end. And almost every conceivable product can be purchased in all of the shops in between, not to mention some great places to eat. When the sun goes down the clubs come alive and the action spills over well beyond 2:00 a.m. Visitors with an eye for a more beachy environment often head 15 minutes south to ROSARITO BEACH.

YOUR FIRST STOP IN TOWN!

Tijuana is a big place. When you first drive into town it's a good idea to have a destination in mind ... a place to slow down and get your bearings. Probably one of the best places to get started in T.J. is the parking lot on the east side of Avenida Revolucion mid block. Parking here is secure and puts you right in the middle of the action. Shopping, dining and the general excitement of downtown Tijuana are at your finger tips once you park here. Want a photo of your loved one with a striped donkey? Yep, you can do that here too!

THE BEST OF TIJUANA

Tijuana has plenty of hotels but only a handful that offer first class accommodations. The best of the best is CAMINO REAL TIJUANA located about 10 minutes south of the international border right in the heart of Tijuana. The views from the upper floors are the best in town and even include views of San Diego to the north. Golfers also like the adjacent golf course.
There are several excellent restaurants in Tijuana including VILLA SAVERIOS RESTAURANT and LA DIFERENCIA RESTAURANT, both located in the Zona Rio section of town. Both offer international cuisine and regional favorites.
And for two good places in town to listen to music, enjoy a cocktail and people watch check out TIA JUANA TILLY'S and SENIOR FROGS in the main tourist zone. Bring bail money.
The best place in town for shopping are the stores along both sides of the ten block stretch of REVOLUCION AVENUE. Dollars, pesos and credit cards accepted in most stores. If you can't find it hear it probably doesn't exist.
There are two good golf courses in the Tijuana area. Located in the heart of Tijuana the TIJUANA COUNTRY CLUB offers nice greens but no views. A 15 minute drive to the west the nicer course at REAL DEL MAR offers ocean views, a nice restaurant and even a chapel and a hotel in case you want to get married.
The best coastal getaway is the 25 minute drive along the coastal road from Tijuana to CALAFIA for lunch. Spectacular ocean views, roaming mariachis and good service make this the best lunch getaway for your peso.

CARLOS FIESTA'S HOT TIP:

#1 ~ Heading to Baja's border areas and want a head's up on the waiting time to get back in the U.S.? For Tijuana border wait times call (619) 690-8999 and or the Otay Mesa border wait times call (619) 671-8999.

#2 ~ Crossing the border can seems a bit intimidating to those who have not done it before. Fear not, Baja virgin! To help those who want a step by step process of crossing from the United States into Baja, Mexico, Carlos Fiesta has carefully outlined the process in our TRANSPORTATION section below!

Web

www.mexicoexpo.com

www.bajaexpo.com

www.caboexpo.com

Tijuana is just a hop, skip, and a jump to the wide beaches of Rosarito,
so most visitors interested in the beach scene head 10 minutes south.

Still,
there are some water sports possibilities here, including surfing, kayaking,
and beach combing.

Ocean access is via the scenic road heading west from town towards Playas Tijuana
. When the waters are calm it is sometimes possible to spot
dolphins within fifty yards of the shore!

The ocean temperature in the waters off of Tijuana peak out in the low 70 degree range in late summer, and then drop down to about 55 degrees in late winter.

There are several small restaurants located on the bluffs above the beach, a great place for a relaxing lunch or to catch a beautiful sunset!

Don't forget, Tjuana is less than a half hour from the spectacular beaches of San Diego and La Jolla, California.

PLAYA TIJUANA

Exit main coastal
highway at Playas Tijuana exit. Continue due west as you pass the 'Bullring
by the Sea' on your right.
There are a few access paths from the parking
areas on the street down to the sand.
The official monument dividing Mexico
and the United States is located right behind the bullring.

ROSARITO BEACH

Located about 15 minutes south of Tijuana.
Lots of beach activities, including ATV's, kayaking, boating and more.
Most of the activity is at the south end, near the Rosarito Beach Hotel.
For further information drop by the ROSARITO BEACH section of Baja Expo.

There is an abundance of hotels in the Tijuana area, but most of the camping
and RV activity takes place in the Rosarito Beach area, and further south along
the coast.

There is one campground just south of Tijuana, listed below.

For an excellent campground close to Tijuana head about 25 minutes south on the Toll Road, just before La Salina. The Baja Seasons RV Park there is excellent, on the beach, and only a short drive from Tijuana and Rosarito Beach.

Camping options on Baja's Sea of Cortez are abundant in and around San Felipe. Check out the SAN FELIPE section of Baja Expo for more information!

For more good information on camping and RVs drop by the informative web site of WOODALLS the camping and RV experts!

The islands directly offshore from Tijuana offer very good fishing! The
Coronado Islands are just a short boat ride away from the mainland, and
the waters are usually calm.

Most of the fishing around the Coronado Islands
is booked through fishing companies in the United States, although making
reservations in Mexico can also be done.

Fishing in these waters tends to improve in the summer months, when the ocean water temperature warms up. The best fishing is usually July, August and September...and often into October. During El Nino years fishing can be good here into December!

Check out our ENSENADA section for more local
fishing information, or drop by our BAJA FISHING section!.

After a taste of fishing in the waters off of Tijuana, you might want to consider the big game fishing available in Baja at the end of the Baja Peninsula. For more information drop by the CABO SAN LUCAS section of Baja Expo.

For more information on obtaining the proper fishing documentation required for dipping your hook in Baja waters check with the professionals at MEXICO ADVISORY SERVICES.

Telephone (619) 583-8862.
E-mail: baja@indiansportfishing.com.
6053 Wenrich Drive, San Diego, California, 92120.
Owner/operator Chris Randel has been sharing tight lines in Baja for over 10 years.
Check out their web site for more information!

Hotels in Tijuana run the whole range, from quaint to first class. The
staff at the larger hotels usually speak good English, but don't hesitate
to try one of the many smaller motels throughout the city.

Inspecting the
room before you commit is an acceptable practice, and a good idea if you
are not sure.

For those who are visiting the area with a sense of adventure, Tijuana is just a short drive to the Pacific Coast and the quaint beachside towns that head south from the border. Staying a night or two in Tijuana and then trying another hotel along the "Gold Coast" can be a fun way to enjoy the area.

MUSEO DE CERA DE TIJUANA

OMIN-MAX THEATRE

Telephone 011-52 (664) 684-1111.
Located on Avenida De Los Heroes at Mina Street, just east of Avenida Revolucion at the north end.
Always an exciting show on the huge screen!

MUNDO DIVERTIDO

Telephone 011-52 (664) 688-2478.
Located on Avenida de los Heroes east of Rivera.
Located in downtown Tijuana 4 blocks south of the Camino Real Hotel.
Miniature golf, go carts, batting cages, and video games.
Restaurant on side and several others adjacent.
A fun place for the kids to hang out for a few hours.

CORRIDAS DE TOROS

You may not here the words "Welcome K Mart shoppers" during
your trek through Tijuana, but you will find a great variety of shops to
choose from as you drive or walk through town.

Tijuana is one of the greatest shopping destinations in the world, and if there is one word to describe shopping on Revolucion Avenue, that word is FUN!

Negotiating is still very acceptable in the shops of Tijuana, but a few ground rules help smooth the process. As a general rule, the nicer the shopping establishment is the less receptive they are going to be towards negotiating with you. Most of the shops on Revolution Avenue expect some degree of negotiation when you are buying one of their products.

If you are in the Tijuana area and want to try some excellent shopping just north of the border (we're talking 100 yards from the border fence!) check out the new shops at LA PUERTA LAS AMERICAS. This huge new shopping center just west of the freeway consists mostly of discount Outlet Stores like Nike, Dockers, etc. and also offers various restaurants from Mc Donald's to Outback Steakhouse. No, they don't take pesos.

The following is just a sampling of some of the shopping in T.J. that is available close to the border.

Visit the web site of JOHN RAMOS to review his unique and colorful Mexico art work.

AVENIDA REVOLUCION

Telephone 011-52 (664) 685-5560.
Avenida Revolucion from Avenues 1 though 10 are located just 6 blocks southwest of the U.S. border!
"Revolution Avenue" is easy to get to on foot or by car.
On foot, just follow the crowds through the border entrance, down the long and somewhat narrow entry area, then make a right where it opens up at the end. After crossing through the middle of "Plaza Viva Tijuana" you will cross the pedestrian bridge which goes over the Tijuana River. It's just 3 short blocks to the start of Avenida Revolucion!
When driving to Avenida Revolucion from the border, just follow the green signs with white letters. If you are in town just for shopping, consider leaving your car on the U.S. side, walking across the border, and grabbing a cab on the other side! You'll miss the potentially long line of cars heading back to the U.S. when you return!
A dozen blocks of shop 'till you drop! Both sides of Avenida Revolucion are choked full of stores offering every product you can imagine! From hand crafted leather parrots to custom made dining room tables, this stretch of Tijuana is definitely "shopping central".
Need a short break to let your credit card cool off? Dozens of restaurants and bars are scattered between the various shops to help break up your day! If you love to shop, you gotta cruise Avenida Revolucion just once before moving on to the great beyond.

VENUS FINE CHOCOLATES

Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
Located in front of the Caliente race track, just before the US consulate.
35 flavors of chocolate truffles!!!
Exclusive line of LA Cetto wine truffles.
Also offering apples with caramel, turtles, and gifts.
A family owned business where service is important!
The first hand made chocolate shop in Tijuana.
Stop by annd say hello to Gabriela.

PLAZA VIVA TIJUANA

Telephone 011-52 (664) 684-0402.
Paseo de los Heroes #96 and #98, Zona Rio, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
The closest shopping to the U.S. border, and an easy walk! Just follow the crowds from the U.S. side to Mexico. After you have walked down the long and somewhat narrow entry area, turn right at the end. (You'll see taxi cabs off to your left). Immediately after crossing the street, you will see a shopping plaza, with a walkway right down the middle.
Pull out your MasterCard and get to work! More shopping for those who want to cut to the chase, shopping here in Zona Rio is quick and easy.
Plenty of variety, good prices, but not much of the pazazz (did I spell that right?) found on Avenida Revolucion.
There are several restaurants mixed in to help you re-charge for the next round!

SCUBA DIVING

Telephone (858) 277-7823.
2803 Emerson Street, San Diego, California, U.S.A. 92106.
Located at H & M Landing.
E-mail: divesd@horizoncharters.com.
Web site: www.horizoncharters.com.
Single and multi-day dive trips to Baja and her offshore islands.
Dive boats Odyssey and Horizon are perfectly set up for your dive getaway.
A very professional company!
Drop by their web site for additional information.

GOLF

And after you've tried the 2 golf courses near Tijuana, consider slipping down the coast to BAJAMAR for some oceanfront green time!

KAYAK

From the U.S. border, it is advisable to paddle south. If you paddle
north you will be entering the United States illegally, and you and your
kayak are subject to search by the nice men in the green trucks.

Mornings are the calmest, as the winds tend to pick up a bit in the afternoons. The coastline alternates between sandy beaches and low lying bluffs, and there are several places to launch.

Kayaks can usually be rented 15 minutes south of Tijuana in ROSARTIO BEACH near the Rosarito Beach Hotel.

MOTORCYCLES

Probably one of the most hair-raising races in the world is the annual big bike (motorcycle) run from Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas. It's hard to believe, but the winner makes this thousand-mile mad dash in about 10 hours! Dubbed the CABO 1,000, this insane run on the Baja blacktop is the Mexican version of a Cannonball Run. Only crazier! If you see these guys in your rear view mirror...don't make any sudden movements!

SURF

All of the surf along the coastal bluffs near Tijuana are beach breaks,
with typical beach break shape. Waves do get large when there is a swell,
but it takes a little research to find out where the recent sand bars have
helped create the longer rides. Shoulder hopping can be fun, but with a
lack of a channel to get past the breakers, paddling out can be a real exercise
when the waves are big. Wetsuits are advisable from October through May.
Bring your own wax.

And if you are serious about a Baja surfing adventure check out the web site of BAJA SURF ADVENTURES.

You name it, it's here! Tijuana is a culinary treat. The restaurants
here offer food from all over the world.

Don't be afraid to go off the beaten
track! Even the food on the street-side carts can be good, if you are looking
for adventure.

Of all the good food that has come out of Tijuana over the years, the city is probably most famous for the invention of Ceasar's Salad. In Tijuana's early days Ceasar Cardini got creative in the kitchen one day and viola! Ceasar's Salad Dressing was invented. After his death his daughter Rosa continued the tradition, and Ceasar's Restaurant is still one of the most popular restaurants on Avenida Revolucion.

CAESAR'S RESTAURANT

Telephone 011-52 (664) 688-2794.
Avenida Revolucion at Calle 5a.
Variety menu, drinks and a full bar.
Try the famous salad...this is where it all began! The rumor is that Ceasar Cardini got a little creative in the kitchen years ago while making a new salad dressing after a few shots of tequila. A little bit of this...a little bit of that...next thing you know we've got a world class salad dressing on our hands. After Ceasar moved on to that big diner in the sky his daughter Rosa continued to serve up the salads that made her dad famous. Live the legend while you are in town!

TIA JUANA TILLY'S

Telephone 011-52 (664) 685-9015.
Avenida Revolucion #1109, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
Located with all of the shops and restaurants in the main toursit zone.
Similar to Senior Frog's, good location.
Come back at night if you like to dance!

TIJUANA NIGHTLIFE AND BARS

Drink? Dance? You want to drink and dance? The nightlife at Tijuana is
everything you want it to be (and possibly a little bit more!). The drinking
age in Mexico is 18 years old, so watch out. Drinking responsibly is good
advice anywhere, but particularly so in Mexico.

JUAN'S TIJUANA is a web site that has been created to flatten out the learning curve of visitors looking for female companionship in the Tijuana area.

SENIOR FROG'S

Telephone 011-52 (664) 682-4964.
Via Oriente #60, Local 4, Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico.
Part of the famous Anderson chain of bars.
The staff tries their best to keep you happy.
Food, drinks, body shots.....
If you can't have fun here take your pocket protecter and go home.

TIA JUANA TILLY'S

Telephone 011-52 (664) 685-1612.
Calle 7a and Avenida Revolucion.
Crazy and loud. The later it gets the louder it gets.
On weekend this place rocks well past 2:00 a.m.
Bring bail money!

BABY ROCK DISCOTECA

Telephone 011-52 (664) 634-2404.
Diego Rivera #1482, Zona Rio, Tijuana, Mexico.
Corner of Paseo de las Heroes and Diego Rivera.
Located 4 blocks south of the Camino Real Hotel.
Can get out of control on weekends!
Check their web site for more information.
This is the wildest looking bulding in Tijuana.
Bring bail money!

Heading to Baja's border areas and want a head's up on the waiting time to get back in the U.S.? For Tijuana border wait times call (619) 690-8999 and or the Otay Mesa border wait times call (619) 671-8999.

CROSSING THE BORDER

UNITED STATES TO MEXICO

Visitors headed to Tijuana by land have THREE OPTIONS when crossing the border. All three are relatively easy, and crossing the "busiest international border crossing on Earth" is usually a snap.

DRIVING ACROSS THE BORDER

Each day zillions of cars head south on California's Interstate 5 and cross the border into Baja, Mexico. As the freeway nears the border, the 4 lanes magically become 8 lanes, and each vehicle must come to a complete stop at the Custom's check point at the big cement speed bump. If the alternating Custom's signal light turns GREEN after you stop, you may proceed (Passe). Welcome to Baja! If the alternating light turns RED (Alto), you will be directed to the covered secondary inspection area one hundred feet to your right. Assuming you are not carrying guns, drugs, or fruit, your stay at the secondary inspection station should be short. Then you will merge back into the busy traffic headed into Baja! If you are headed for the coast towards Rosarito Beach or Ensenada, follow the GREEN and WHITE signs with the white arrows towards "Scenic Road - Rosarito".

After parking your vehicle in one of the 4 large parking lots listed below (cost: $8-$10 per day), just follow the crowds. After walking through the metal revolving gates, you have entered Baja! Most tourists walking into Baja are headed for Avenida Revolucion, where all of the shops, restaurants, and bars offer a very exciting environment! (it's about a 20 minute walk). Turn right at the end of the walkway, head straight through the small shops and the plaza, over the 100 yard bridge that crosses the river, and then 2 more blocks and you are there! Turn left for 10 blocks of fun! If you don't feel up to the 20 minute walk from the border to Avenida Revolucion, there are about 1001 yellow taxi cabs ready to wisk you there for $5 (one way) as soon as you get past the metal gates and enter Baja. These taxis will also take you to Rosarito Beach for about $30 US, and to Ensenada for about $90 US.

SHUTTLE ACROSS THE BORDER

This is an easy way to get from the U.S. side of the border to Avenida Revolucion, as well as to other parts of Baja further south. There are several different bus companies lined up in front of the parking lots on the U.S. side of the border. These buses will take you directly to Avenida Revolucion for $1 US each way, or $2 US round trip. They depart on a regular basis, and your maximum wait time is 20 minutes!

CROSSING THE BORDER

MEXICO TO THE UNITED STATES

Okay, you've had your fun in Baja. It's time to head back across the border to the U.S. One problem...all of the other Gringos who have been playing in Baja, along with a whole bunch of Mexicans who are legally headed for a brief visit to the States, are joining you for the border crossing. On any given day, tens of thousands of cars and individuals line up to cross this boundary line. Is there any way to minimize the stay in line? Getting in line late morning and late at night is your best bet.

AIRPORT

TIJUANA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

LOCATION: 5 miles east of downtown.
SURFACE: Paved.
ELEVATION: 499 Feet.
RUNWAYS: 9 / 27.
LENGTH: 9,710.
TOWER: 118.10.
FUEL: Yes.
AIRPORT OF ENTRY: Yes.
COMMENTS: Officially known as General Abellardo L. Rodriguez International Airport (try that trivia question at your next cocktail party!), Tijuana International Airport doesn't usually have much going on. The front of the terminal is right across the street from the fence separating Mexico and the United States, and if you've got a good arm, you can probably throw a Frisbee into San Diego county (not recommended!). Several commercial flights arrive and depart daily, including Aerocalifornia, Mexicana, and AeroMexico, but air traffic is generally light all day long. The terminal offers several main floor restaurants, an upstairs restaurant and bar with a view of the runway, several retail shops, 3 money exchange booths, telephones, a fax and an ATM machine. Car rentals booths are inside (Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National) and TAXIS are outside, as well as BUSES. A travel agency is also available in the terminal on the ground floor.

Luggage and arrivals are located at the far east end of the terminal (left side when facing the terminal), and ticketing and most departures are located at the west end (right side). Parking is easy and close by, on the west end of the terminal.

AEROCALIFORNIA

BUSES

Buses are available on both sides of the Tijuana border.
On the U.S. side, the Greyhound Bus Terminal is located on the east side of Interstate 5, about 100 feet from the Mexican border. The parking lot for these buses is literally the southernmost piece of real estate in these parts before the border fence. Buses to Avenida Revolucion are available on the west side of the freeway, $1 one way and $2 round trip.

Telephone (619) 428-9517.
Bus service form the border to Tijuana, Rosarito Beach and Foxploration.
Avoid the long border lines and spend more time having fun!
Drop by their web site for additional information.

CENTRAL DE AUTOBUSES

TAXIS

Taxis are available on both sides of the fence at the Tijuana border. On the Mexican side of the border, the taxis are lined up (by the dozens!) just in from the border, after passing through the pedestrian walkway gates. Prices are somewhat consistent, but can vary a bit from cab to cab depending on the variables. Get a price from the driver before you get in the taxi. Prices are generally as follows:

AVENIDA REVOLUCION - $5 US

ROSARITO BEACH - $35 US

ENSENADA - $90 US

CABO SAN LUCAS - $1,750 US

CAR RENTALS

Most folks headed for Tijuana don't bother to rent cars. Taxis are very affordable for getting around, and much of the 'Tourist Zone' is centrally located and easy to walk. Still, for those who fly in, and who want a bit more flexibility, renting a car is a viable option. Making reservations before arriving can make a significant difference on the price, especially for longer rental periods.

HERTZ RENT-A-CAR

NATIONAL RENT-A-CAR

Located at the Tijuana Airport.

PARKING

Driving to the Mexican border and hopping over to Tijuana is extremely convenient with the easy border area parking! There are three very large fenced in parking areas just a five minute walk to Mexico! Rates for a 24 hour period are usually $5 US to $6 US.

BORDER STATION PARKING

Telephone (619) 428-6200.
On the northwest corner, just before crossing the border.
A good place to park vehicles for those who want to walk across the border.
Open 24 hours, tourist information, and shuttle buses available to Avenida Revolucion. Fenced and secure.

FIVE STAR PARKING

Close to the border! Located near the southwest corner of the parking lot intersection, just about 100 feet from the international border.
Fenced and secured. Shuttle buses available to Avenida Revolucion right in front.

PUBLIC PARKING

Closest parking to the border, parking lot backs right up the the international border.
Fenced and secure. Shuttle buses available to Avenida Revolucion are located in front on the street.

TIJUANA TROLLY

Located just 50 yards from the Mexico border, on the east side of Interstate 5, at the very south end of San Ysidro Boulevard.

The Tijuana Trolley can be a great way to get to the border from the downtown San Diego area! The Trolley starts at the San Diego Train Station, and heads to the border on a very frequent schedule. The cost is very inexpensive, and once you are off of the Trolley, it's just a 5 minute walk to Tijuana!

Tijuana real estate construction is booming, especially condos along the coast. But is anyone really buying? No, not tourists anyway. Especially now that the U.S. real estate bubble has popped. There are dozens of offices in Tijuana that handle real estate. Because
few tourists purchase property in Tijuana, most of these Brokers speak Spanish,
and a few speak some English. If you need a real estate Broker who speaks
English, there are several to choose from a few miles south of Tijuana,
in ROSARITO BEACH!

Thinking about moving south of the border? Visit the web site of BAJA RELOCATION for a head's up for what awaits you.